Flexible Resistance Articles, Systems, Kits, and Methods

ABSTRACT

Flexible resistance articles, systems, kits, and methods of assembly and use. A flexible resistance article is configured to flexibly and resistively accommodate and secure a portion of a resistance band therein for use during resistance exercises, such as strength training and physical therapy. The article includes a middle panel flexibly attached to a first flap and a second flap which are securable by a fastener in a closed configuration to hold the resistance band therein. The fastener may be detached to transition the article from the closed configuration to an open configuration to remove the article from the resistance band. The article protects the user from an uncomfortable or irritable contact with the resistance band and provides a grip resistance to the user when the user grips the article and may be used to increase grasp strength of the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63/205,802, filed Jan. 8, 2021, which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to improved flexible resistance articles,systems, kits, and methods of assembly and use. A flexible resistancearticle is securable to a portion of a resistance band to protect a userfrom contact with the resistance band during resistance exercises withthe resistance band. The flexible resistance article provides a gripresistance to the user when the article is gripped by the user which maybe used to increase grasp strength of the user.

BACKGROUND

Resistance training with resistance bands is a part of many exercise andphysical therapy programs, and these activities may be performed at adesignated training location, such as a gym or a home, or may beperformed at a non-designated training location, such as an automobileor an outdoor area, due to the portability of resistance bands and thecomparatively minimal amount of equipment required. Resistance bands maybe comprised of a suitable elastic material, such as a latex rubber,which provides sufficient elasticity, resistance, and durability for usein resistance training. While these and other materials are generallybeneficial for construction of resistance bands, they have certaindrawbacks related to their use, including their tendency to fold andcreate sharp and uncomfortable pressurized indentations against the skinof the user when stretched, their tendency to slip against the skin ofthe user and irritate the skin and/or hair of the user, to slip andbecome misplaced from a desired position, and for many individuals whoare allergic to latex rubber or other such materials, their tendency tocause irritation or allergic responses when they contact the skin of theuser.

Previous efforts have tried to address these drawbacks present in manyresistance bands. Rigid grips attach to or engage with the resistanceband and allow the user to grasp the rigid grip to move, manipulate, andstretch the resistance band, and these devices may provide someprotection to the skin of the hands during use. However, the rigid gripspresent a safety hazard due to their weight and rigidity: if the userreleases the rigid grip when the resistance band is stretched, the rigidgrip may strike a person or object and cause injury or damage to theperson or object. In addition, while the rigid grip may protect the skinof the hand, it does not allow the user to exercise their hand, wrist,or forearm muscles as part of a resistance movement or activity. Therigid grip, which generally is not flexible, provides a firm andinflexible leverage over the resistance band which prevents the userfrom being able to develop muscles of the hand, wrist, or forearm.Flexible grips, including grips found on luggage articles and otheritems that are unrelated to flexible resistance articles and systems,are not suitable for use with resistance bands due to their not beingconfigured for maintaining comfort while also allowing the user a degreeof flexible manipulation of the grip as part of a grip resistancemovement or exercise.

Wearing clothing, such as form-fitting leggings or long pants orlong-sleeve shirts, may protect the skin of an individual whenperforming resistance activities that involve wrapping the resistanceband around the forearms, arms, lower legs, upper legs, groin, torso,neck, or head. These barrier methods may protect the skin and hair fromirritation or allergic response due to contact with rubber latex,however, they do not prevent the resistance band from slipping out ofplace during use, and they are also not compatible with the use of arigid grip due to the rigid grip being configured for being grasped bythe hand, and not for contacting other portions of the body. In theseand other scenarios, the rigid grip must be removed from the resistanceband, which can involve multiple complicated steps, and once the rigidgrip is removed, the resistance band slips out of place, causingfrustration and discouragement which may result in the user continuingthe resistance training.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved resistance articles, systems,kits, and methods which protect a user from contact with a resistanceband while training and which allow the user to improve the strength oftheir hand, wrist, and/or forearm in addition to the strength of otherareas of the body. The present invention addresses this unmet need.

SUMMARY

The disclosure provides improved flexible resistance articles which maybe suitably sized and configured for a range of resistance trainingactivities involving contact with various portions of the body as wellas various stationary objects. A flexible resistance article may becomprised of a flexible material and includes a middle panel flexiblyconnected to a first flap and a second flap. The article may secure aportion of a resistance band in an interior of the article formed byfolding the first flap downward over the portion of the resistance band,folding the second flap downward over the first flap, and securing thefirst flap to the second flap with a suitable fastener, such as ahook-and-loop fastener.

The article may conform with and/or unobtrusively accommodate theportion of the resistance band, and in certain instances, may include anon-slip material on portions of the article to prevent slippage of thearticle along the resistance band and/or to prevent slippage of thearticle along the user or the skin or clothing of the user. Portions ofthe fastener are inset from an edge of the first flap, such that whenthe second flap is attached to the first flap and the article is graspedor used, the fastener is covered and does not contact the user or theskin or clothing of the user. The article is also deformable after aresistance to deformation of the article is overcome by the grasp of theuser over the article, such that the user can exercise muscles of thehand, wrist, and forearm during use.

The disclosure provides various implementations of the flexibleresistance article which may vary in form and function without departingfrom the scope of the disclosure, and which provide a multitude ofadvantages over previous efforts to improve the experience of trainingwith resistance bands. The disclosure also provides systems and kitsthat include one or more flexible resistance articles, optionallycombined with one or more resistance bands, which may be produced, sold,and/or distributed as a unit. The disclosure also provides methods ofassembling a flexible resistance article with a resistance band to forma resistance assembly, and methods of using the resistance assembly aspart of a resistance exercise or activity for strength training,flexibility training, physical therapy, physical rehabilitation, and thelike.

The disclosure provides articles, systems, and kits that may becomprised of any suitable material, including but not limited toneoprene, silica, chiffon, linen, silk, polyester, chenille, and wool.The articles may be filled or stuffed with a foam material to provideimproved comfort to the user during use. The articles, systems, and kitsmay be manufactured using any suitable manufacturing process, whethermanually or automatically managed, and whether currently known or to bedeveloped in the future.

Other features of inventions of the disclosure will become apparent fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of the invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, exemplary implementations of theinvention and manners in which they may be made and used may be betterunderstood after a review of the following description, taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numeralannotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of several differently sized versions of aflexible resistance article.

FIG. 1B is a top view of several differently sized versions of aflexible resistance article.

FIG. 2A is a top view of a flexible resistance article in an openconfiguration.

FIG. 2B is a top view of the flexible resistance article in the openconfiguration with a portion of a resistance band placed therein.

FIG. 2C is a top view of the flexible resistance article with a firstflap thereof folded over the resistance band.

FIG. 2D is a top view of the flexible resistance article in a closedconfiguration with the resistance band therein, with a second flap ofthe article folded over the first flap article and secured thereto.

FIG. 2E is a perspective view of the flexible resistance article withthe first flap folded over the resistance band and the second flappartially folded toward the first flap.

FIG. 2F is a perspective view of the flexible resistance article in anopen configuration with hinges partially folded toward the portion ofthe resistance band.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a flexible resistance article beingheld gently by a user.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the flexible resistance article beingheld and resistively deformed by the user.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the flexible resistance article with aportion of a resistance band secured therein, and the article is beingloosely gripped by the user while the resistance band is secured to anobject.

FIG. 3D is a close-up perspective view of the flexible resistancearticle with the portion of the resistance band secured therein, and thearticle is being tightly gripped by the user.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a flexible resistance article with aportion of a resistance band secured therein and the resistance band issecured to an object, and the article is secured to an upper portion ofa user's leg.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the flexible resistance article withthe portion of the resistance band secured therein and the resistanceband is secured to the object, and the article is secured to a lowerportion of the user's leg.

FIG. 4C is a front view of the flexible resistance article with theportion of the resistance band secured therein, and the article issecured to the user's neck, with the resistance band secured to theuser's feet in a standing position.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method for assembling a flexible resistancearticle and a resistance band to form a resistance assembly.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   100: flexible resistance article    -   200: small flexible resistance article    -   300: medium flexible resistance article    -   400: large flexible resistance article    -   500: resistance band    -   600: object (e.g., stationary object)    -   700: method for assembling resistance assembly    -   110: middle panel    -   111: middle panel, inner portion    -   112: middle panel, outer portion    -   120: first flap    -   121: first flap, inner portion    -   122: first flap, outer portion    -   130: second flap    -   131: second flap, inner portion    -   132: second flap, outer portion    -   115: first hinge (e.g., first living hinge)    -   125: second hinge (e.g., second living hinge)    -   510: portion of resistance band    -   135: fastener (e.g., first portion of hook-and-loop fastener)    -   140: fastener (e.g., second portion of hook-and-loop fastener)    -   150: inset portion of outer portion of first flap (i.e., no        fastener at inset)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals may be used in the drawings to indicate like or similarelements of the description. The figures are intended for representativepurposes, are not drawn to scale, and should not be considered limiting.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms and phrases used in connectionwith the present disclosure shall have the meanings that are commonlyunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

As used in the description and in the claims, the terms “comprising” and“comprises” do not exclude other elements or steps. Where an indefiniteor definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, e.g.,“a,” “an,” or “the,” this includes a plural of that noun unlesssomething else is specifically stated. Furthermore, the terms first,second, third, and the like in the description and in the claims, areused for distinguishing between elements and not necessarily fordescribing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understoodthat the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriatecircumstances and that the implementations of the disclosure describedherein are capable of operation in other sequences than described orillustrated herein.

As used herein, the term “about” refers to the usual error range for therespective value readily known to the skilled person in this technicalfield. Reference to “about” a value or parameter herein includes anddescribes implementations that are directed to that value or parameterper se.

Flexible resistance articles of the disclosure may be referred to asSoft Gripz™ and/or Anti-Slip Soft Gripz™ and may be associated withStride Gym LLC of Washington, USA. These and other flexible resistancearticles disclosed herein may be referenced with use of the terms“flexible resistance articles,” “articles,” and/or other terms asapplicable, for purposes of disclosure. It is intended that the conceptsdisclosed herein are broader than any particular implementation orembodiment.

Referring now to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, there are shown a perspective view(FIG. 1A) and a top view (FIG. 1B) of several differently sized versionsof a flexible resistance article. A flexible resistance article 100 maybe any suitable size, but for certain uses as exemplarily disclosedherein, may generally have a length of between about 5 inches and about30 inches, and may have a width of between about 0.25 inches to about 5inches. In the shown embodiment, various forms of an article 100 have afixed width that is fitted for a resistance band 500, and a variablelength that is suitable for different uses and/or different contactswith users and/or objects during use. A small article 200 may have alength of about 7 inches, a medium article 300 may have a length ofabout 9 inches, and a large article 400 may have a length of about 23.5inches. Each of the small article 200, the medium article 300, and thelarge article may have a fixed width of about 3 inches to fit theresistance band 500, which may be about 1.75 inches wide. The width ofthe article 100 extends slightly beyond edges of the portion of theresistance band within the article 100, which is relatively flat when ina closed configuration as shown. In this manner, the article 100 may besized and configured to unobtrusively accommodate the portion of theresistance band 500 and may provide a relatively compact resistanceassembly (e.g., the article 100 and the resistance band 500) compared toprevious efforts.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F, there are shownvarious views of a flexible resistance article being configured for usewith a resistance band. Generally, a flexible resistance article 100comprises a middle panel 110 attached to a first flap 120 via a firsthinge 115, and a second flap 130 via a second hinge 125. A portion 510of a resistance band 500 is securable within an interior of the flexibleresistance article 100 that is formed by a fold at the first hinge 115and a fold at the second hinge 125, and the first flap 120 is attachableto the second flap 130 via a fastener (135, 140) to secure the portion510 of the resistance band 500 within the interior of the flexibleresistance article 100. Any of a variety of resistance band materialsmay be used for the resistance band 500, including but not limited to anelastic latex material, an elastic synthetic rubber material, and thelike. In addition, while a flat resistance band 500 is shown, othershapes may be used without departing from the disclosure, includingshapes that are similar to ropes, belts, cords, and the like.

The flexible resistance article 100 may include a non-slip materialthereon to prevent the article 100 from slipping on the resistance band500 and/or another surface during use. In certain instances, an outerportion (112 of FIGS. 3A and 3B) of the middle panel 110 and/or an outerportion 132 of the second flap 130 includes a non-slip material thereonto prevent a slippage of the flexible resistance article 100 along aportion of a body of a user during a use of the resistance band 500 andthe flexible resistance article 100. The non-slip material may be anysuitable material, but in certain instances, may be a rubber material.

The first 115 and second 125 hinges allow the first 120 and second 130flaps to fold over the portion 510 of the resistance band 500 to securethe resistance band 500 within the article 100. When the portion 510 ofthe resistance band 500 is placed against an inner portion 111 of themiddle panel 110 and the article 100 is folded, the fold at the firsthinge 115 contacts an inner portion 121 of the first flap 120 with theportion 510 of the resistance band 500, and the fold at the second hinge125 contacts an inner portion 131 of the second flap 130 with an outerportion 122 of the first flap 120. In various instances, the first hinge115 is a first living hinge and the second hinge 125 is a second livinghinge, and in this manner, the article 100 may be more easilymanufactured and the hinges (115, 125) may bend in other or irregularangles or directions (see FIGS. 3A and 3B), such as may occur during aresistive deformation and/or a squeezing of the article 100 by a user toexercise muscles of the hand, wrist, and forearm.

In various implementations, the fastener includes a first fastenerportion 135 on the outer portion 122 of the first flap 120 and a secondfastener portion 140 on the inner portion 131 of the second flap 130.The first fastener portion 135 and the second fastener portion 140 areattachable to each other and the first fastener portion 135 is insetfrom the first hinge 115 by an inset distance 150, such that the firstfastener portion 135 is concealable by the second flap 130 upon anattachment of the first fastener portion 135 with the second fastenerportion 140. In this manner, the first fastener portion 135 is concealedduring use of the article 100 and is not contacted by the user toimprove comfort relative to previous iterations of flexible handles,such as may be found on luggage and other items. The first and secondfastener portions (135, 140) may be any suitable fastener type, such asmagnetic fasteners and adhesives, but in certain instances may be amechanical fastener type, such as a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g.,Velcro), in which case the first fastener portion 135 and the secondfastener portion 140 are complementary portions of the hook-and-loopfastener.

In various embodiments and as shown, the inner portion 121 of the firstflap 120 and the outer portion 131 of the second flap 130 do not includethe fastener thereon. In such instances, the article 100 may not besecurable in a different closed configuration, for example, if thesecond flap 130 were to be folded toward the portion 510 of theresistance band 500 first, and then the first flap 120 were to be foldedtoward the outer portion 132 of the second flap 130 second. There wouldbe no fastener at the interface between the flaps in this configuration.These implementations may be advantageous because they providecomfortable and high-friction outer surfaces for the user to interactwith when using the article 100, and discomfort due to contacting thefastener is avoided. Similarly, in various instances, the articleincludes recessed stitching to prevent the stitching from contacting theskin of the user.

In various implementations, the disclosure provides a system and/or akit that includes a flexible resistance article 100 (e.g., a smallflexible resistance article 200, a medium flexible resistance article300, and/or a large flexible resistance article 400). The system and/orthe kit may include other components, including but limited to aresistance band 500, instructional and/or promotional materials, and thelike. Accordingly, in various embodiments, a system and/or a kitcomprises a resistance band 500 and a flexible resistance article 100,wherein the article 100 includes a middle panel 110 attached to a firstflap 120 via a first hinge 115 and a second flap 130 via a second hinge125. A portion 510 of the resistance band 500 is securable within aninterior of the flexible resistance article 100 that is formed by a foldat the first hinge 115 and a fold at the second hinge 125. In addition,the middle panel 110, the first flap 120, and the second flap 130 may besized and configured to unobtrusively accommodate the portion 510 of theresistance band 500, and the first flap 120 may be attachable to thesecond flap 130 via a fastener (135, 140) to secure the portion 510 ofthe resistance band 5100 within the interior of the flexible resistancearticle 100. The article 100 of the system and/or the kit may includeany or all features of any article 100 explicitly or implicitlydisclosed herein, including an inset distance 150 to prevent thefastener from being contacted by a user during use, as well asproperties and characteristics that make the article 100 resistiblydeformable and able to be gripped, and others.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, there are shown perspective views of aflexible resistance article being held gently (FIG. 3A) and resistivelydeformed (FIG. 3B) by a user, and referring to FIGS. 3C and 3D, thereare shown perspective views of the flexible resistance article, with aportion of a resistance band secured therein, being loosely gripped(FIG. 3C) and tightly gripped (FIG. 3D) by the user. In various aspects,the article 100 is flexible and squeezable by the user to enable theuser to exercise their hand, wrist, and forearm, either alone (FIGS. 3Aand 3B) or as part of a larger bodily movement that involves multiplemuscles and joints and use of a resistance band, either attached to anobject 600 or not attached to the object 600 (FIGS. 3C and 3D). Invarious implementations, a grip resistance experienced by the userincludes a resistive deformation of the flexible resistance article 100,for example, along a longitudinal axis thereof, and if the resistanceband 500 is present, may also include a resistive deformation of theportion of the resistance band 500, for example, along a longitudinalaxis thereof. In this instance, the longitudinal axis may be consideredas being parallel and overlapping with a longitudinal length of thearticle 100.

An advantage of being able to exercise the hand and grip muscles in thismanner is that these muscles contribute significantly to the use of thehand to grasp objects, and unless an individual is able to maintaintheir grip on a particular object, the individual generally cannot holdonto that object. In addition, as may be the case for elderly ordisabled individuals, developing the grip may assist with improvingheart health and performing a multitude of daily tasks which improvesquality of life. In addition, because the article 100 is deformable andis not rigid, there is less risk of damage to people and property if theuser inadvertently releases the article 100 from a stretched position ofa resistance band. These and other features meaningfully improveefficacy, safety, and reliability of the article 100 compared toprevious efforts.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, there are shown perspective views of aflexible resistance article, with a portion of a resistance band securedtherein, secured to an upper portion of a user's leg (FIG. 4A) and alower portion of the user's leg (FIG. 4B), with the resistance bandsecured to an object. The article 100 may be used with the resistanceband 500 while the resistance band 500 is attached to an object 600,such as a door, a tree, or another object, for resistance training withthe resistance band 500. The resistance band 500 may be attached to theobject 600 with any suitable connection, such as a hook, a carabiner,and the like. By using a stationary object for a particular exercise,the user can focus on controlled movements with the resistance band 500and the object 600 for improvement of strength, agility, flexibility,speed, and/or endurance, and/or cardiopulmonary fitness.

Referring now to FIG. 4C, there is shown a front view of the flexibleresistance article with the portion of the resistance band securedtherein, and the article secured around the back of the user's neck,with the resistance band secured to the user's feet and the user in astanding position. The article 100 may be used with the resistance band500 while the resistance band 500 is not attached to any object, butrather, is stretchily applied around a portion of the user's body, forexample, the user's feet, as shown. In such configurations, the user maybe able to perform self-contained exercises such as biceps curls,triceps extensions, squats, lunges, and the like. By not using thestationary object, the user may be able to exercise at any location, andcan focus on self-contained controlled movements for improvement ofstrength, agility, flexibility, speed, and/or endurance, and/orcardiopulmonary fitness.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a flow chart of a method forassembling a flexible resistance article and a resistance band to form aresistance assembly. A method 700 for assembling a flexible resistancearticle and a resistance band to form a resistance assembly includestransitioning 710 an article to an open configuration, placing 720 aportion of a resistance band against an inner portion of a middle panelof the article, folding 730 an inner portion of a first flap of thearticle against the portion of the resistance band, folding 740 an innerportion of a second flap against an outer portion of the first flap totransition the article to a closed configuration, and securing 750 theinner portion of the second flap to the outer portion of the first flapwith a fastener, for example, if a hook-and-loop fastener, by applyingopposing pressure to complementary portions of the fastener to bond theportions of the fastener.

The foregoing descriptions of specific implementations have beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. They are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in view of theabove teaching. The exemplary implementations were chosen and describedto best explain the principles of the invention and its practicalapplication, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe invention and its implementations with modifications as suited tothe use contemplated.

It is therefore submitted that the invention has been shown anddescribed in the most practical and exemplary implementations. It shouldbe recognized that departures may be made which fall within the scope ofthe invention. With respect to the description provided herein, it issubmitted that the optimal features of the invention include variationsin size, materials, shape, form, function, manner of operation,assembly, and use. All structures, functions, and relationshipsequivalent or essentially equivalent to those disclosed are intended tobe encompassed by the invention.

I claim: 1) A flexible resistance article, comprising: a middle panelattached to: a first flap via a first hinge; and a second flap via asecond hinge; wherein a portion of a resistance band is securable withinan interior of the flexible resistance article that is formed by a foldat the first hinge and a fold at the second hinge; and wherein the firstflap is attachable to the second flap via a fastener to secure theportion of the resistance band within the interior of the flexibleresistance article. 2) The article of claim 1, wherein the middle panel,the first flap, and the second flap are sized and configured tounobtrusively accommodate the portion of the resistance band. 3) Thearticle of claim 1, wherein an outer portion of the middle panel and/oran outer portion of the second flap includes a non-slip material thereonto prevent a slippage of the flexible resistance article along a portionof a body of a user during a use of the resistance band and the flexibleresistance article. 4) The article of claim 1, wherein the first hingeis a first living hinge and the second hinge is a second living hinge.5) The article of claim 1, wherein the fold at the first hinge contactsan inner portion of the first flap with the portion of the resistanceband, and wherein the fold at the second hinge contacts an inner portionof the second flap with an outer portion of the first flap. 6) Thearticle of claim 5, wherein the fastener includes a first fastenerportion on the outer portion of the first flap and a second fastenerportion on the inner portion of the second flap, wherein the firstfastener portion and the second fastener portion are attachable to eachother; and wherein the first fastener portion is inset from the firsthinge by an inset distance such that the first fastener portion isconcealable by the second flap upon an attachment of the first fastenerportion with the second fastener portion. 7) The article of claim 1,wherein the flexible resistance article is resistibly deformable andconfigured to provide a grip resistance to a user during a use of theflexible resistance article with the resistance band. 8) The article ofclaim 7, wherein the grip resistance includes a resistive deformation ofthe flexible resistance article and a resistive deformation of theportion of the resistance band. 9) The article of claim 1, wherein themiddle panel, the first flap, and the second flap each includes an innerportion connected to an outer portion; wherein the outer portion of thefirst flap is attachable to the inner portion of the second flap via thefastener to secure the portion of the resistance band within theinterior of the flexible resistance article. 10) The article of claim 9,wherein the fastener includes a first fastener portion on the outerportion of the first flap and a second fastener portion on the innerportion of the second flap, wherein the first fastener portion and thesecond fastener portion are attachable to each other. 11) The article ofclaim 10, wherein the first fastener portion and the second fastenerportion are complementary portions of a hook-and-loop fastener. 12) Thearticle of claim 10, wherein the inner portion of the first flap and theouter portion of the second flap do not include the fastener thereon.13) A flexible resistance article, comprising: a middle panel attachedto: a first flap via a first living hinge; and a second flap via asecond living hinge; wherein a portion of a resistance band is securablewithin an interior of the flexible resistance article that is formed bya fold at the first living hinge and a fold at the second living hinge;wherein the first flap is attachable to the second flap via a fastenerto secure the portion of the resistance band within the interior of theflexible resistance article; wherein the fold at the first living hingecontacts an inner portion of the first flap with the portion of theresistance band, and wherein the fold at the second hinge contacts aninner portion of the second flap with an outer portion of the firstflap; wherein the fastener includes a first fastener portion on theouter portion of the first flap and a second fastener portion on theinner portion of the second flap, wherein the first fastener portion andthe second fastener portion are complementary portions of ahook-and-loop fastener that are attachable to each other; and whereinthe first fastener portion is inset from the first living hinge by aninset distance such that the first fastener portion is concealable bythe second flap upon an attachment of the first fastener portion withthe second fastener portion; and wherein the flexible resistance articleand the portion of the resistance band are resistibly deformable andconfigured to provide a grip resistance to a user during a use of theflexible resistance article with the resistance band. 14) An exercisesystem, comprising: a resistance band; and a flexible resistancearticle, comprising a middle panel attached to a first flap via a firsthinge and a second flap via a second hinge; wherein a portion of theresistance band is securable within an interior of the flexibleresistance article that is formed by a fold at the first hinge and afold at the second hinge; wherein the middle panel, the first flap, andthe second flap are sized and configured to unobtrusively accommodatethe portion of the resistance band; and wherein the first flap isattachable to the second flap via a fastener to secure the portion ofthe resistance band within the interior of the flexible resistancearticle. 15) The system of claim 14, wherein the fold at the first hingecontacts an inner portion of the first flap with the portion of theresistance band, and wherein the fold at the second hinge contacts aninner portion of the second flap with an outer portion of the firstflap. 16) The system of claim 15, wherein the fastener includes a firstfastener portion on the outer portion of the first flap and a secondfastener portion on the inner portion of the second flap, wherein thefirst fastener portion and the second fastener portion are attachable toeach other; and wherein the first fastener portion is inset from thefirst hinge by an inset distance such that the first fastener portion isconcealable by the second flap upon an attachment of the first fastenerportion with the second fastener portion. 17) The system of claim 16,wherein the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion arecomplementary portions of a hook-and-loop fastener. 18) The system ofclaim 16, wherein the inner portion of the first flap and the outerportion of the second flap do not include the fastener thereon. 19) Thesystem of claim 14, wherein the flexible resistance article and theportion of the resistance band are resistibly deformable and configuredto provide a grip resistance to a user during a use of the flexibleresistance article with the resistance band. 20) The system of claim 19,wherein the grip resistance includes a resistive deformation of theflexible resistance article along a longitudinal axis thereof and aresistive deformation of the portion of the resistance band along alongitudinal axis thereof.